Geotechnical study in Chelva

In Chelva, limestone, dolomites and marbles predominate, which provide a high bearing capacity and are usually suitable for supporting shallow foundations directly on sound rock. The occasional presence of gypsum, anhydrite and salts introduces a significant dissolution risk to take into account in the design phases, as these materials can cause subsidence. On the other hand, the deposits of deltaic mud and peat that have been identified are problematic for foundation construction and should be avoided as a support level due to their low mechanical performance.

The seismicity in Chelva is considered moderate, with 15 recorded events over the last 30 years and a maximum magnitude (Mmax) of 2.3, which implies a low seismic risk that will rarely condition structural design. The non-clayey nature of the substrate rules out expansivity-related problems. Nevertheless, the development of karst processes is relevant and requires a detailed verification of the ground before any work, with karst being the main geotechnical constraint affecting the municipality.